not sacrifice

9:13 not sacrifice. Jesus here quoted Hosea 6:6 as Scriptural authority. Animal sacrifices, which were prescribed by the law and thus necessary and appropriate, were meaningless unless accompanied by true obedience to the moral requirements of the law also, along with true repentance and faith in God’s mercy and forgiveness. Such characteristics of one who offers sacrifices would inevitably produce a merciful attitude in that person’s life.